Sven's last hurrah

Sven-Goran Eriksson's decision to quit as England head coach following this summer's World Cup finals in Germany comes after a succession of tabloid problems during a large part of his five-year reign.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's decision to quit as England head coach following this summer's World Cup finals in Germany comes after a succession of tabloid problems during a large part of his five-year reign.

His most recent brush with the non-sports media is the latest in a series of difficult episodes for the Swede. He moved from Lazio in January 2001 to become the first non-Englishman to take the England job. England won their first four matches under his tenure.

When England beat Germany 5-1 in a World Cup qualifier in September 2001, Eriksson could do no wrong.

In October, England played one of their most nerve-wracking but dramatic matches with a 2-2 draw against Greece, securing a place in the 2002 World Cup.

But before the tournament could begin, Eriksson's personal life became a subject of intense interest as his affair with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson became public.

Claims emerged in April 2002 that the pair had been involved for four months even though Eriksson was still with - and still is with - Italian girlfriend Nancy Dell' Olio.

The story grabbed the headlines before England flew to Japan for the World Cup. Eriksson not only remained ice cool but salvaged his relationship with Dell'Olio.

England's respectable performance -including the crucial defeat of Argentina -saw the Swede back in favour. But more controversy was not far away.

In 2003, Eriksson was photographed going into Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's home, fuelling speculation that he was about to jump from England to the Premier-ship club. The FA put him on the spot and a #4 million-a-year-deal was agreed -he argued that he was entitled to look at other job opportunities.

A humiliating defeat to Australia in February 2003 was followed by a quarter-final exit in Euro 2004. Then news of his affair with FA secretary Faria Alam broke in July 2004.

She sold her story and details of their relationship -and her affair with FA chief executive Mark Palios -were divulged. It sparked resignations at the FA but Eriksson was told he had "no case to answer" about his relationship with Alam.

In August 2005 he dismissed speculation about his private life -claims that he was contacting ex-girlfriends behind her back -as "complete rubbish, complete lies".

He said: "Obviously someone is out there trying to disturb my job and trying to make me leave the country.

"If that's the case, I can promise them that they won't make me leave the country. If they think they can disturb the harmony in the England team, they are totally wrong."

Eriksson, a former manager of Lazio, Benfica and Sampdoria, and a success at almost every club he coached, said he would take England to the finals in the World Cup in Germany.

But, for a manager who has featured so much outside the sports pages, the path was never likely to run smooth. His reported talks with a 'fake sheikh' over leaving the England job, his indiscreet comments about several England players and the suggested move to manage Aston Villa caused concern.

Last night FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "The FA and Sven felt it was important to clarify his future.

"This is for the benefit of everyone connected with English football, especially the fans.

"There has been so much speculation surrounding this matter in recent weeks and months, it was important to resolve it now."

He added: "Sven is definitely the man to lead us in Germany."

There had been hiccups on the road to the World Cup, notably the defeat to Northern Ireland in Belfast. But Eriksson is free to work towards the goal of leading England to triumph in Germany.

He said: "I know that I have the full support of the players and the FA and it is important to stress to everyone just how committed I am to achieving success this summer.

"I care passionately about this job and I want everyone to know that. I have always enjoyed the incredible support of the fans and I know how important they will be to us in Germany. This summer is the culmination of everything we have been working towards over the last five years. Let's go and win the World Cup."